In a Facebook post after Duterte's appearance at the People's SONA, Casino said he was unsure why the President wanted to see the rallyists.

"Maybe he simply wanted to explain why his government has failed so far in delivering the change he promised. He even asked us to be patient and not to rush him. But if he really listened, it's not the pace of the change but the direction of his programs and policies that leftists are questioning."

"I'm not so sure why Duterte did what he did... Maybe he simply wanted to explain why his government has failed so far in delivering the change he promised. He even asked us to be patient and not to rush him. But if he really listened, it's not the pace of the change but the direction of his programs and policies that leftists are questioning." Casino said.

Read his full post below:

"Last night, we got the surprise of our lives. Pres. Duterte asked to speak before the People's SONA rally. Never happened before.

"Agad-agad na nag-usap ang mga lider ng rally. Papayagan ba natin? Oo. Baka naman may magandang sasabihin. Baka hilingin niya na maging bridge ang mass movement to resume the peace talks. Pero kahit na ano pa yan, he is the President and we should accord him the respect he deserves so pagsalitain natin and make sure the crowd does not go overboard in reacting if he says crazy things.

"Minutes before he arrived, the rally leaders assembled to welcome him and hopefully give him a last-minute briefing on our issues and concerns. Coming down from his vehicle, Duterte gave us a glance but totally ignored us. We were swept aside by his tide of PSGs.

Duterte with his posse rushed straight up the stage and delivered his piece. He asked for respect. Wow. This is the guy who, minutes earlier in his speech inside Congress, badmouthed us and told us to go home kasi walang silbi ang aming pagra-rally.

"I'm not so sure why Duterte did what he did. If he wanted engagement with the crowd, he got it. If he had asked the leaders to be with him on stage and perhaps tell him what the shouting was all about, it might have resulted in something better. But he wanted a solo act.

"Maybe he simply wanted to explain why his government has failed so far in delivering the change he promised. He even asked us to be patient and not to rush him. But if he really listened, it's not the pace of the change but the direction of his programs and policies that leftists are questioning.